High speaking fees in the EB-1: is market comparison required?

In the EB-1, charging high fees for speaking engagements can help demonstrate extraordinary ability, but the figure gains strength when it is compared to what your field typically commands. An isolated figure says little; what is convincing is showing that it exceeds what is usual for professionals with a similar profile.

For this reason, it is worth supporting that claim with market references that provide context for the number, such as:

• Research on fees charged by comparable professionals.
• Data from industry events and specialized publications.
• Consulting reports and quotes that serve as benchmarks.
• Testimonials from recognized authorities in the field.

The immigration officer looks for objective, well-documented evidence. The comparison helps demonstrate that your fees are not simply high, but reflect the recognition you have earned, which strengthens the argument that your work stands out.

The entire process must follow United States immigration rules. It is worth reviewing the USCIS guidelines and seeking specialized support to organize and validate this data in a clear and well-founded way.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.